Thousands of Imran Khan Supporters March on Islamabad Demanding His Release Amid Health Concerns

Thousands of supporters of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan are marching towards the capital demanding his release, as family members and supporters warn that his health is in a critical condition. Mr Khan has been incarcerated since 2023, while the government maintains that the march will be blocked from entering the capital due to severe security concerns.

“The federal government will take all possible measures to maintain peace and promote public development in the province,” stated an official government release.

Adherents of Mr Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party initiated their "long march" last Sunday to push for the former prime minister's freedom while expressing deep anti-government grievances driven by difficult economic conditions. Carrying red-and-green party flags and portraits of Khan, the enthusiastic crowd chanted in unison, "We are ready."

As a widely popular former cricket star, Imran Khan has remained behind bars since August 2023, facing numerous charges spanning from corruption to treason following anti-establishment riots in 2023. Both Khan and his legal representatives firmly deny these accusations, describing them as politically motivated attempts to suppress his widespread popularity. His sons have continuously raised alarms regarding his worsening health over the past year, with lawyers reporting that he has suffered a significant loss of vision in his right eye during imprisonment.

Ahead of the march, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealed to the PTI to cancel the demonstrations and return to negotiations. However, talks stalled early last Sunday before the procession commenced. The PTI continues to claim that Mr Khan is being detained based on politically motivated convictions, an assertion the government denies.

Mr Shehbaz further cautioned that the protests would inflict severe damage on the economy, stressing that any attempts to undermine state efforts would face strict legal consequences. "We will not allow this to happen. The law will take its course. Protecting the lives and property of the people is our responsibility, and we will ensure this by all means," stated Sharif.

Authorities have spent weeks preparing for the potential arrival of the protesters in Islamabad, following a postponement from the original September 27 date to last Sunday.